Fractional execs rise + the accidental manager crisis 💼📉

It’s the last day of 2024!

Elon Musk dominates headlines…With 1.03 billion page views in 2024, Musk's media coverage outpaced the next nine CEOs combined, cementing his unmatched click power.

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Fractional execs are taking over the C-suite

Senior executives are ditching full-time gigs for fractional roles—part-time leadership positions where they bring their expertise to multiple companies. Post-pandemic, it’s all about flexibility, balance, and calling the shots.

Why fractional work is booming: People want control over their work and lives, says Karina Mikhli, founder of Fractionals United. Fractional leaders aren’t just fancy freelancers—they’re legit decision-makers, shaping strategy without the full-time grind.

The numbers

• Explosive growth: LinkedIn now has 144,000 profiles mentioning “fractional,” up from 2,000 in 2022.

• Demand vs. supply: Thousands of workers are interested, but companies are still catching on.

Startups love it—they get senior talent without a full-time salary.

The trade-offs

Fractional work offers freedom, but it’s not perfect. Healthcare? You’re on your own. And juggling clients while avoiding scope creep can be tricky.

Still, fractional COO Khadijah Robinson says it’s worth it: “I wanted meaningful work without the grind. Fractional roles let me work smarter, not harder.”

Why it matters: In an uncertain job market, fractional roles are gaining traction as a flexible, cost-effective option. For startups, it’s access to top talent without breaking the bank. For execs, it’s freedom with a C-suite edge. The gig economy just leveled up.

Top updates…

🛡️ Cybersecurity for startups: Experts urge stronger encryption, audits, and zero-trust frameworks for 2025.

💼 Kim K’s PE firm grows: Skky Partners nears a second fund for consumer and digital investments.

💰 Big Tech bets on AI: Capital spending surged in 2024 for AI-driven data centers and tools.

📜 2025 laws to watch: Stricter social media rules, renter protections, and student loan relief take effect.

📈 Fidelity backs Musk: Valuations for Musk’s X and xAI get a boost from Fidelity.

🌐 VC trends 2025: Expect crypto’s return, digital agents, and startup liquidity growth.

⚡️ Hoffman on startups: Reid Hoffman says work-life balance isn’t realistic in startups.

Most managers are ‘accidental’—and it’s making employees quit

Ever had a boss who didn’t know how to lead? Turns out they might not be to blame. A staggering 82% of managers are “accidental,” promoted for their technical skills but never trained to manage people, according to research from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

The fallout

Bad bosses are driving workers out the door.

• 1 in 3 employees have quit a job due to poor management.

• Workers with ineffective managers are 50% more likely to resign within a year.

• Poor management leaves employees feeling less motivated, less valued, and less satisfied—with just 15% of staff reporting feeling appreciated under bad leadership.

A catch-22 for Companies

Untrained managers don’t just push talent away—they create a toxic cycle.

• Managers fear admitting their inadequacies, while employees hesitate to report bad leadership.

• This silence allows poor management practices to fester, eroding company culture and reputation.

The case for training

When managers are trained, the difference is clear:

• They’re more likely to trust their teams, embrace change, and tackle issues head-on.

• Employees feel happier, more engaged, and less likely to leave.

The bottom line: Businesses that invest in training managers reap the rewards of stronger teams and better retention. But until more companies step up, the “accidental manager” problem will keep driving employees out the door.

FOUNDER NOTES

Today’s top founder & startup reads.

Business Insider: 20 of the hottest proptech startups in 2024, according to venture capitalists.

Axios: Where the minimum wage will rise in 2025.

Fortune: Executive dreamers, chief wizards and vision officers: In 2024, the job title arms race hit a record low.